Safety shield for medical needles

ABSTRACT

Medical needle shield apparatus for covering a needle after use. The medical needle shield apparatus includes a first member, such as, for example, a syringe barrel having a needle mounted therewith. A second member, such as, for example, a shield is mounted with the first member. The shield is movable between a first position whereby the needle is exposed and a second position whereby the needle is covered. A lock is mounted with the barrel such that the shield is slidably movable along an outer surface of the lock. The lock includes a tang that is movable radially outward to fix the shield in the second position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/692,324 filed Jun. 20, 2005, the entire contentsof which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to safety shields for medicalneedles, and more particularly, to manually activated safety shieldsthat employ structure for positioning and locking a shield.

2. Description of the Related Art

Problems associated with inadvertent needle sticks are well known in theart of blood sampling, percutaneous medication injection, and othermedical procedures involving use of medical needles. Significantattention has been focused on needle stick problems due to thecontemporary sensitivity of exposure to AIDS, hepatitis, and otherserious blood-borne pathogens.

Procedures for removing a needle from a patient commonly require aclinician to use one hand to place pressure at the wound site where aneedle is being withdrawn, while removing the needle device with theother hand. It is also common practice for a clinician to give higherpriority to care for the wound than is given to disposal of the needle.In the case of typical needle devices without safety shields, suchpriority either requires the convenience of an available sharpscontainer within reach or another means for safe disposal, withoutleaving the patient's side. Thus, the difficulty in providing adequatecare while following safety procedures is often compounded by thepatient's physical condition and mental state, such as in burn units andpsychiatric wards. Under such conditions, proper disposal of a usedneedle, while caring for a patient, is a technological challenge to thestate of the art.

The widespread knowledge and history associated with needle care anddisposal problems have resulted in numerous devices for minimizingaccidental needle sticks. Some devices utilize a separate sheath or capmounted over the needle after use. These devices, however, requiretwo-handed manipulation from a practitioner.

Other known devices employ sheaths that are spring activated orpivoting. These devices, however, may disadvantageously misfire, beinadvertently activated, or cumbersome to activate. Further drawbacks ofcurrent devices include high manufacturing cost due to complexity andthe number of parts. Thus, these types of prior art devices may notadequately and reliably shield needle infusion and/or fluid collectionapparatuses to minimize hazardous exposure.

Consequently, there remains a need to provide a more satisfactorysolution for needle safety devices by overcoming the disadvantages anddrawbacks of the prior art. Therefore, it would be desirable to providea more adequate and reliable safety apparatus having a medical needleshield that employs structure for positioning and locking a shield tominimize hazardous exposure to a needle. It would be desirable if themedical needle shield was actuated via one-handed operation. It would behighly desirable if the medical needle shield is easily and efficientlyassembled and manufactured.

SUMMARY

In one particular embodiment, a safety apparatus is provided inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The safetyapparatus includes a first member having a needle mounted therewith. Asecond member is mounted with the first member. A shield is movablebetween a first position whereby the needle is exposed and a secondposition whereby the needle is covered. A lock is mounted with the firstmember such that the second member is slidably movable along an outersurface of the lock. The lock includes a tang that is movable radiallyoutward to fix the shield in the second position.

In an alternative embodiment, the safety apparatus includes a barrel.The barrel has a distal portion that defines a cavity. A needle extendsfrom the cavity and has a distal end. A tubular shield is mounted withinthe cavity and is slidably movable relative thereto between a retractedposition whereby the distal end of the needle is exposed and an extendedposition whereby the distal end of the needle is covered. A tubular lockinsert is mounted with the distal portion of the barrel such that theshield is slidably movable along an outer surface of the insert. Thelock includes a tang that is in substantial alignment with the outersurface of the insert during slidable movement of the shield. The tangis biased radially outward to fix the shield in the extended position.

In an alternative embodiment, the barrel has a distal portion thatincludes an inner post and an outer race that define a cavity. Aproximal portion of the barrel is configured for receipt of a plunger. Aneedle is mounted with the inner post of the barrel and has a distalend. A tubular shield is mounted for slidable movement within the cavityof the barrel between a retracted position whereby the distal end of theneedle is exposed, and an extended position whereby the distal end ofthe needle is covered. The shield includes a stability ring that isconfigured for adding structural integrity to the shield. A tubular lockinsert is mounted with the inner post such that the shield is slidablymovable along an outer surface of the insert. The lock includes aplurality of tangs disposed circumferentially thereabout, whereby thetangs are in substantial alignment with the outer surface of the insertduring slidable movement of the shield. The tangs are biased radiallyoutward to inhibit proximal movement of the shield in the extendedposition. The insert further includes a distal stop configured toinhibit distal movement of the shield.

In yet another alternative embodiment, a safety apparatus is provided inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The safetyapparatus includes a first tubular member having a needle mountedtherewith. A second tubular member is mounted with the first tubularmember. A shield is movable between a first position whereby the needleis exposed and a second and third position whereby the needle iscovered. The third position provides tactile feel of the shieldplacement. A lock is mounted with the first tubular member such that thesecond tubular member is slidably movable along an outer surface of thelock.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the presentdisclosure will be more fully understood from the following detaileddescription of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a safety apparatus inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a distal portion of theapparatus shown in FIG. 1, in a ready-to-use position;

FIG. 4 is a cutaway cross-sectional side view of the distal portion ofthe apparatus shown in FIG. 1, in an extended position;

FIG. 5 is a cutaway cross-sectional side view of the distal portion ofthe apparatus shown in FIG. 1, in a locked position;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a barrel of the apparatus shown in FIG.1;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a shield of the apparatus shown in FIG.1;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an insert of the apparatus shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of an alternate insert of the apparatus inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view of the insert shown in FIG. 8B;

FIG. 9 is a cutaway side cross-sectional view of the distal portion ofthe apparatus shown in FIG. 1, in an extended position;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged cutaway side cross sectional view of the distalportion of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, in a fully extended position;

FIGS. 11A and 11B are perspective views of an alternative embodiment ofthe apparatus in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are respective cross-sectional views of the apparatusshown in FIGS. 11A and 11B;

FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional side view of an alternative embodiment ofthe apparatus in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure, in a partially extended position; and FIG. 13B is across-sectional side view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 13A, in anextended, locked position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The embodiments of the safety apparatus and the methods of operationdisclosed herein are discussed in terms of safety shields for medicalneedles for infusion of medication and nutrition fluids (via, forexample, subcutaneous, intradermal, intravenous and/or intramuscular),and fluid collection, and more particularly, in terms of manuallyactuated safety shields that employ structure for positioning andlocking a shield to minimize hazardous exposure to the needle cannula,for example, through an inadvertent needle stick. It is contemplatedthat the needle cannula may be shielded during use including storage,transport, fluid infusion, and/or collection, subsequent thereto, etc.It is envisioned that the present disclosure, however, finds applicationto a wide variety of cannula needles, including small needleapplications and devices for the infusion of preventive medications,medicaments, and therapeutics to a subject. It is also envisioned thatthe present disclosure may be employed for collection of body fluidsincluding those employed during procedures relating to phlebotomy,digestive, intestinal, urinary, and veterinary and the like. It is alsocontemplated that the safety apparatus may be utilized with othermedical needle applications including feeding devices, phlebotomydevices, catheters, catheter introducers, guide wire introducers, spinaland epidural, biopsy, aphaeresis, dialysis, blood donor, Veress needles,Huber needles, and the like.

In the discussion that follows, the term “proximal” refers to a portionof a structure that is closer to a clinician, and the term “distal”refers to a portion that is further from the clinician. As used herein,the term “subject” refers to a patient that receives infusions or hasblood and/or fluid collected therefrom using the safety apparatus.According to the present disclosure, the term “clinician” refers to anindividual administering an infusion, performing fluid collection,installing or removing a needle cannula from a safety apparatus and mayinclude support personnel.

The following discussion includes a description of the safety apparatus,in accordance with the present disclosure. Reference will now be made indetail to the embodiments of the disclosure, which are illustrated inthe accompanying figures.

Turning now to the figures, wherein like components are designated bylike reference numerals throughout the several views. Referring to FIGS.1-10, there is illustrated a safety apparatus, such as, for example, aneedle syringe or syringe 10. The syringe 10, as shown in FIGS. 1-5,includes a first tubular member, such as, for example, a syringe barrelor barrel 12 having a needle cannula or needle 16 mounted therewith viaa needle mount 11. An open beveled portion 23 is disposed at a distalend of needle cannula 16. Needle cannula 16 is adhesively mounted tosyringe barrel 12 at needle mount 11. Needle mount 11 includes nippleportion 19 (FIG. 3) for holding adhesive. Needle cannula 16 penetratesneedle mount 11 generally between a depth of 0.010-0.020 inches. Theadhesive is used to secure needle cannula 16 to needle mount 11. Theadhesive forms a meniscus at nipple portion 19 and is interiorlydisplaced along the needle cannula shaft and the needle mount 11 aboutone-half of the needle penetration depth. A second tubular member, suchas, for example, a tubular shield 14, is mounted with the barrel 12 andis movable from a retracted position (FIG. 3) whereby the needle 16 isexposed, to an extended position (FIGS. 4 and 5) whereby the needle 16is covered. A lock, such as, for example, a tubular lock insert 26 ismounted with the barrel 12 such that the shield 14 is slidably movablealong an outer surface 28 of the lock insert 26. The lock insert 26includes arms or tangs 30 that are movable radially outward to fix theshield 14 in the extended position. It is contemplated that one or moretangs 30 may be employed with lock insert 26.

A removable sheath 32 (FIGS. 1 and 2) covers the needle 16 duringtransport and prior to use. The sheath 32 is ribbed to inhibit rollingwhen the syringe 10 is placed on a surface. Sheath 32 may include otherstructure configured to inhibit rolling such as projections, pads andthe like. The sheath 32 is removably coupled to the syringe barrel 12.Sheath 32 is not in contact with shield 14 so as to inhibit inadvertentactuation of the syringe 10 when sheath member 32 is pulled off prior touse. Sheath 32 may be heat staked to syringe barrel 12 as a tamperevident feature as is known in the art.

A proximal portion 34 of the barrel 12, as shown in FIG. 6, defines aplunger cavity 20 configured for receipt of a plunger 22 (FIG. 1).Finger flanges 39 are disposed adjacent a proximal end 48 of the barrel12 to facilitate manipulation of the syringe 10. A distal portion 36 ofthe barrel 12 includes a post 40 on which the shield 14 is slidablymounted and lock insert 26 is fixedly mounted. As shown in FIG. 3, thepost 40 has a distal end 45 with an outer annular surface 47 and aproximal end 43 with an outer annular surface 51. The proximal end 43has a slightly greater diameter than that of the distal end 45. Acircumferential ridge 41 is defined by the juncture of the outer annularsurface 47 and the outer annular surface 51.

Barrel 12 further includes a channel such as, for example, race 46. Therace 46 and post 40 define a cavity 44 configured for slidable movementof the shield 14 (FIG. 7). The race 46 and post 40 guide and support theshield 14 during travel in the cavity 44 and inhibit free play betweenthe components. The cavity 44, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, has a tubularconfiguration and is bound longitudinally by a closed proximal end 42and an open distal end 49. Cavity 44 has a circular cross section and isbound cross sectionally by the inner circumference 9 of the barrel 12and the outer annular surfaces 47, 51 of the post 40. The cavity 44 mayhave alternative geometries to facilitate movement of the shield 14, forexample, the cavity 44 may have an oval, tubular, hollow, or otherpolygonal cross section. The cavity 44 may also be concentric withshield 14. A longitudinal slot 54 extends from a distal end 13 of thebarrel 12 along an outer wall 15 thereof. The slot 54 is configured toguide movement of the shield 14, as explained in greater detail below.The post 40 defines a needle cavity 52 that engages an outer surface ofthe needle 16 for support thereof. A proximal end (not shown) of theneedle 16 extends into the plunger cavity 20 for fluid communicationtherewith. In addition, plunger cavity 20 is in fluid communication withbeveled portion 23, thereby permitting fluid stored in plunger cavity 20to be communicated through needle cannula 16 and beyond its distal end.

The shield 14, as shown in FIG. 7, is configured for telescopic mountingwithin the cavity 44 of the syringe barrel 12. It is contemplated thatthe shield 14 may include a tube portion 60 configured for covering theneedle 16 and having an inner surface 61. A proximal end 58 of the tube60 has a narrowed inner surface 59. A circumferential ridge 76 (FIG. 4)is defined by the juncture of the inner surface 61 and the narrowedinner surface 59. An actuator 62 is disposed with the tube 60 forcausing slidable movement of the shield 14. The actuator 62 includes aneck 65 that extends radially from the proximal end 58 of the tube 60. Aribbed finger pad 63 is disposed with the neck 65.

The shield 14 includes a stability member, such as, for example, astability ring 64 to provide additional stability during axial movementof the shield 14 with respect to the barrel 12 of the syringe 10. Thestability ring 64 adds structural integrity to keep the shield 14 firmlyin place when it is locked in the fully extended position. Ring 64surrounds the tube 60 near the proximal end 58 such that a gap 73 existsbetween the shield's outer wall 67 and the ring 64. The ring 64intersects the actuator 62 and includes an inner surface 69 and an outersurface 71. The stability member 64 may have alternate geometriesconfigured to provide stability and/or structural integrity.

The lock insert 26, as shown in FIG. 8A, is configured for mounting onthe post 40. As will be later explained in greater detail, the lockinsert 26 retains the shield 14 in a “ready-to-use” position andinhibits distal sliding of the shield 14. The lock insert 26 alsoinhibits the shield 14 from traveling proximally from a fully shieldedposition. The lock insert 26 has annular inner surfaces 33 and annularouter surfaces 28, and includes a tubular lock sleeve 29 having a distalend 31 and a proximal end 37. A stop member, such as, for example, aprotruding rim or flange 72 is disposed at the distal end 31 andincludes a circumferential edge 73. The proximal end 37 includes acircumferential edge 35.

The lock insert 26 includes a projection member, such as for example, atang 30 that is movable radially outward to fix the shield 14 in theextended position. One or a plurality of tangs 30 may be employed. Thetang 30 is disposed circumferentially about the outer surface 28 of thelock insert 26 intermediate the distal and proximal ends 31, 37 of thesleeve 29. Tang 30 is cantilevered from sleeve 29 through cutout 8 inthe surface 28. The tang 30 is pivotable from its proximate edge 30 b.Tang 30 is biased for radially outward movement such that its distal end30 a tends to extend above the surface 28 to define an angle Atherewith. When compressed, the tang 30 pivots into substantialalignment with the surface 28. The lock insert 26 may include otherstructure configured to lock the shield 14 such as, stops, protuberancesand the like. Operation of the lock insert 26 is described below in moredetail.

With reference to FIGS. 8B and 8C, where like reference numerals areused to designate like elements for the sake of simplicity ofexplanation, there is disclosed an alternative embodiment of lock insert26. Lock insert 260 is configured for mounting on post 40 and isdesigned to retain the shield 14 (FIG. 4) in a “ready-to-use” positionand inhibits distal sliding of the shield 14. The lock insert 260 alsoinhibits the shield 14 from traveling proximally from a fully shieldedposition. The lock insert 260 has inner annular surfaces 330 and outerannular surfaces 280 and includes a tubular lock sleeve 290 having adistal end 310 and a proximal end 370. A flange 720 is disposed at thedistal end 310 and includes a circumferential edge 730. The proximal end370 includes a circumferential edge 350.

The lock insert 260 includes a tang 300 that is movable radially outwardto fix the shield 14 in the extended position. One or a plurality oftangs 300 may be employed. The tang 300 is disposed circumferentiallyabout the outer surface 280 of the lock insert 260 intermediate thedistal 310 and proximal 370 ends of the sleeve 290. Tang 300 iscantilevered from sleeve 290 through cutout 80 in the surface 280. Thetang 300 is pivotable from its proximate edge 300 b. Tang 300 is biasedfor radially outward movement such that its distal end 300 a tends toextend above the surface 280 to define an angle A therewith. Whencompressed, the tang 300 pivots into substantial alignment with thesurface 280. The lock insert 260 may include additional structureconfigured to lock the shield 14 such as projection member 740 that isdisposed circumferentially about the outer surface 280 of the lockinsert 260 and is biased radially inward to secure or fix the insert 260to the outer surface 47 of the post 40 (FIG. 3). One or a plurality ofprojection members 740 maybe employed with insert 260.

It is contemplated that the lock inserts 26, 226 (discussed in detailhereinbelow), and 260 may be fabricated from metal or other durablematerial suitable for medical applications, such as, for example,stainless steel. More particularly, the lock inserts may be formed, forexample, by a process known as progressive die forming wherein a diecomponent combines a number of forming and stamping functions such asblanking, forming, flange forming, punching, and trimming into a singledie. The metal blank that will ultimately form the lock inserts is fedinto the die. Each time the die cycles, a stamping operation is made onthe metal blank material and it is automatically advanced to the nextposition. Each station within the progressive die process serves toprogressively form, the final lock inserts. Finally, the completed lockinserts 26, 226, and 260 are ejected from the end of the progressive dieonce all the operations have been completed.

The components of the safety apparatus can be fabricated from a materialsuitable for medical applications, such as, for example, polymerics ormetals, such as stainless steel, depending on the particular medicalapplication and/or preference of a clinician. Semi-rigid and rigidpolymerics are contemplated for fabrication, as well as resilientmaterials, such as molded medical grade polypropylene. However, oneskilled in the art will realize that other materials and fabricationmethods suitable for assembly and manufacture, in accordance with thepresent disclosure, also would be appropriate.

The lock insert 26 is securely mounted, as shown in FIG. 3, on thedistal end 45 of the post 40 via interference between an inner surface33 of the lock sleeve 29 and an outer surface 47 of the post 40. Tofurther secure the lock insert 26 on the post 40, the circumferentialedge 35 of the lock insert 26 abuts the circumferential ridge 41 of thepost 40. In this regard, the outer surface 28 of the lock sleeve 29 issubstantially aligned with the outer surface 51 along the proximal end43 of the post 40. A distal edge 73 of the flange 72 is substantiallyaligned with the distal end 13 of the barrel 12. The tangs 30 extend atan angle from the outer surface 28 of the lock sleeve 29, as describedabove.

The assembly of the syringe 10 can be performed sequentially. Forexample, shield 14 may be inserted into the distal end of syringe barrel12 followed by lock insert 26 and then finally assembly of needlecannula 16 to syringe barrel 12. The needle cannula 16 can be attachedto syringe barrel 12 at any point during the assembly procedure.

The operation of the syringe 10 during a medical procedure will now bedescribed. Initially, proper preparation and sterilization of thesyringe 10 is performed (not shown), and the sheath 32 is removed. Theshield 14, as shown in FIG. 3, is mounted telescopically on the post 40in the “ready-to-use” (i.e. retracted) position whereby the distalportion 17 of the needle 16 is exposed. The narrowed end 58 of theshield 14 is adjacent the proximal wall 42 of the cavity 44 and thenarrowed inner surface 59 of the shield 14 is contiguous with the outersurface 51 of the post 40. The distal inner surface 61 of the shield 14is proximate the outer surface 28 of the lock flange 72.

There is a gap 74 between the inner surface 61 of the shield 14 and theouter annular surfaces 47, 51 of the post 40. The tang 30 is biased forradially outward movement and thus extends in the gap 74 such thatdistal end 30 a is proximate the inner surface 61. The stability ring 64associated with the shield 14 is disposed circumferentially about theoutside wall 15 of the barrel 12. The actuator 62 of the shield 14extends through the slot 54. The lock insert 26 mounted within theshield 14 retains the shield 14 in the ready-to-use position andinhibits distal sliding thereof. The lock flange 72 is substantiallyaligned with the distal end 56 of the shield 14.

After completing the medical procedure, the clinician manipulates theshield 14 forward via one-handed operation to cover the distal end 17 ofthe needle 16, as shown in FIG. 4. This is accomplished using the thumbor index finger to urge the actuator 62 distally along the slot 54.Alternatively, a corner of a rigid surface such as a table or countertop may be used to manipulate the shield 14. Both techniques providerelative movement between the shield 14 and the barrel 12. As the shield14 moves forward, the narrowed interior surface 59 of the shield 14slides along the outer surface 51 of the post 40, and along the outersurface 28 of the lock insert 26. The inner surface 61 of the shield 14slides along the outer surface 28 of the flange 72.

As the shield 14 is moved further, as shown in FIG. 9, the narrowedinner surface 59 of the shield 14 slides over the tangs 30.Consequently, the tangs 30 compress into substantial alignment with thelock surface 28 such that the angle A becomes substantially zero. Afterthe narrowed surface 59 of the shield 14 slides past the compressed tang30, as shown in FIG. 5, the tang 30 (being biased for radially outwardmotion) snaps back outwardly. That is, the tang 30 pivots from itsproximal end 30 b such that the distal end 30 a extends into the gap 74to oppose any proximal (backward) movement of the shield 14. Locking ofthe shield 14 in this way disables the syringe 10 and inhibitsre-exposure of the needle tip 17.

A gap Y, as shown in FIG. 10, between the distal end 30 a of the tang 30and the proximal end 58 of the shield 14 provides free playtherebetween. This free play enables movement of the shield 14 toprovide a tactile indicator or feedback that the shield 14 is in thefully extended position. The circumferential ridge 76 at the shield 14interior abuts a proximal ridge 78 at the lock flange 72 to inhibit theshield 14 from traveling too far distally. The inner surface 69 of thestability ring 64 engages the outer wall 15 of the barrel 12 for addedstructural integrity when the shield 14 is in the fully extendedposition.

As discussed above, the lock insert 26 disables the safety syringe 10 byinhibiting the shield 14 from traveling proximally via tangs 30, from afully shielded position, to re-expose needle cannula 16. The lock insert26 defines the gap Y between a distal end 30 a of the tangs 30 and theshield 14 to provide free play therebetween. This free play enablesslight movement of the shield 14 to provide a tactile indicator that theshield 14 is in the fully shielded position. The lock insert 26 alsoinhibits the shield 14 from traveling too far distally viacircumferential ridge 76 and proximal ridge 78 at the lock flange 72that act as a forward stop. The metal lock insert 26, tangs 30, andforward stop act to inhibit movement of the shield 14 in a fullyshielded position.

A desirable advantage of the combination of the gap Y between the lockinsert 26 and the proximal end 58 of the shield 14 is that it minimizeslock insert 26 from kicking out through the slot 54 during acatastrophic failure of the safety syringe 10. In such a failure, safetysyringe 10 would remain in its safe position. Moreover, if the safetysyringe 10 were to experience a catastrophic failure, where the syringe10 was subject to forces that would lead to breaking of the syringe 10,the syringe 10 is so designed that the proximal end of the needlecannula 16 and shield 14 would still remain in its safe positionshielding the needle cannula 16.

The above-described configuration advantageously inhibits removal of theshield 14 from the syringe barrel 12. Further, mounting the shield 14within the outer diameter of the syringe barrel 12 keeps the syringeprofile extremely low. This configuration avoids impedance ofadministration of fluids via medical needle syringe 10, during, forexample, low-angle subcutaneous injections, etc. Since the shield 14 iscaptured by both the inner post 40 and the outer race 46, a no-wobble,smooth extension of the shield 14 over the needle 16 is assured. Theentire shield 14 is held forward of the syringe barrel 12 such that thegraduations or other markings on the barrel 12 are not obscured. Otherkey advantages include one-hand activation of the medical needle syringe10 and inclusion of the stability ring 62 for additional structuralintegrity when the shield 14 is in the fully extended or lockedposition.

With reference to FIGS. 11A, 11B and 12A, 12B, where like referencenumerals are used to designate like elements for the sake of simplicityof explanation, there is disclosed an alternative embodiment of a safetyneedle apparatus or needle syringe 100 including a distally mountedstandard luer fitting 102 for attachment to a syringe barrel (notshown). Similar to syringe 10, safety needle apparatus 100 includes abarrel component 120 having a needle cannula or needle 160 mountedtherewith via a needle mount 110. A tubular shield 140 is mounted withthe barrel 120 and is moveable from a retracted, “ready-to-use” position(FIGS. 11A and 12A) whereby the needle 160 is exposed, to an extended,“safety” position (FIGS. 11B and 12B) whereby the needle 160 is covered.A lock insert 26 is mounted with the barrel 120 such that the shield 140is slidably movable along an outer surface 28 of the lock insert 26. Aremovable sheath, similar to sheath 32 (FIGS. 1 and 2), covers theneedle 160 during transport and prior to use.

The shield 140 is configured for telescopic mounting within the cavity440 (FIG. 12) of the barrel 120. The shield 140 includes a tube portion600 configured for covering the needle 160 after as surgical procedure.An actuator 620 is disposed with the tube 600. The shield 140 includes astability member, such as, for example, a stability ring 640 to provideadditional stability during axial movement of the shield 140 withrespect to the barrel 120 of the safety needle 100. The stability ring640 adds structural integrity to keep the shield 140 firmly in placewhen it is locked in the fully extended position.

Now referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B, where like reference numerals areused to designate like elements for the sake of simplicity ofexplanation, there is disclosed an alternative embodiment of a safetyneedle apparatus or needle syringe 200 including a barrel component 212having a needle cannula or needle 216 mounted therewith via a needlemount 211. A tubular shield 214 is mounted with the barrel 212 and ismoveable from a retracted, “ready-to-use” position (not shown) and apartially extended position (FIG. 13A) whereby the needle 216 isexposed, to an extended, “safety” or “locked” position (FIG. 13B)whereby the needle 216 is covered. A lock insert 226 having at least oneradially inward biased tang member 230 (two tang members 230 are shown)is mounted with the tubular shield 214 such that the lock insert 226 andtubular shield 214 are slidably movable with respect to the barrelcomponent 212. A removable sheath, similar to sheath 32 (FIGS. 1 and 2),covers the needle 216 during transport and prior to use.

Barrel component 212 further includes a post member 240 onto which theshield 214 and lock 226 are slidably mounted. The post 240 has a distalend 245 with an extended annular surface 247. The distal end 245 has agreater diameter than that of the post 240 for engaging the tang members230 of lock insert 226 and a proximal end wall 263 of the shield 214 (asdiscussed below).

The shield 214 and lock insert 226 are configured for telescopicmounting within a cavity 244 of the barrel 212. The shield 214 includesa tube portion 261 configured for covering the needle 216 after asurgical procedure. An actuator 262 is disposed with the tube portion261 for aiding in distal movement of the shield 214. Shield 214 furtherincludes a proximal end wall 263 having a centrally disposed throughhole 265 for sliding along the post 240 of barrel 212. Proximal end wall263 provides additional stability during axial movement of the shield214 with respect to the barrel 212. The proximal end wall 263 addsstructural integrity to keep the shield 214 firmly in place when it islocked in the fully extended position (FIG. 13B).

The operation of the safety needle apparatus 200 is similar to operationof other safety needle apparatuses (i.e. needle syringes 10 and 100)described herein. After completing the medical procedure, the clinicianmanipulates the shield 214 forward (i.e. distally) to cover the distalend 217 of the needle 216. As the shield 214 and lock insert 226 moveforward, the interior surface of the shield 214 and tangs 230 of thelock insert 226 slide along the outer surface of the post 240. As theshield 214 is moved further, the tangs 230 are slid over the distal end245 and extended annular surface 247 of the post 240. Consequently, thetangs 230 compress for allowing the enlarged annular surface 247 of thepost 240 to pass the compressed tangs 230. The tangs 230 (being biasedfor radially inward motion) snap back inwardly once the shield 214 andtangs 230 are past the annular surface 247 of the post 240 (FIG. 13B).That is, the tangs 230 pivot such that the tangs 230 extend inwardly tooppose any proximal (i.e. backward) movement of the shield 214. Lockingof the shield 214 in this way disables the needle apparatus 200 andinhibits re-exposure of the needle tip 217.

With reference to FIG. 13B, the proximal end wall 263 of the shield 214abuts the distal end 245 of the post 240 to inhibit the shield 214 fromtraveling too far distally. Additionally, a gap Z, between the proximalend wall 263 of the shield 214 and the distal end 245 of the post 240provides free play therebetween. This free play enables movement of theshield 214 to provide a tactile indicator or feedback that the shield214 is in the fully extended position. The invention of the presentdisclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departingfrom the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. For example, thefirst and second members can encompass varied cross-sectional shapes,for example, oval and rectangular, as long as one of the first andsecond members is slidably movable relative to the other. The presentembodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects asillustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention beingindicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoingdescription, and all changes which come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A safety apparatus comprising: a first memberincluding a proximal portion defining a cavity and a distal portionincluding an elongated post, the elongated post defining a longitudinalbore and being configured to receive a needle cannula, wherein thedistal portion of the first member further includes a cylindrical racepositioned about the elongated post such that the cylindrical race andelongated post define a second annular cavity, the cylindrical racedefining a longitudinal slot extending through the cylindrical race; asecond member mounted with the first member, the second member beingmovable between a first position whereby the needle is exposed and asecond position whereby the needle is covered; and a lock mounted on theelongated post of the first member, wherein the second member isslidably movable along an outer surface of the lock, the lock includingat least one tang that is movable radially outward to fix the secondmember in the second position when the second member has advanced overthe at least one tang, the lock including a flange disposed at a distalend of the elongated post, wherein the tang and the flange are separatedon the lock at a distance that provides a gap between a distal end ofthe tang and a proximal end of the second member when the second memberis in the second position such that the second member is movablerelative to the first member at least a distance that is equal to thegap.
 2. A safety apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the secondmember is movable to a third position for providing tactile feedback ofthe second position.
 3. A safety apparatus as recited in claim 1,wherein the second annular cavity of the first member is configured toslidably receive the second member.
 4. A safety apparatus as recited inclaim 1, wherein the longitudinal slot is configured to guide movementof the second member.
 5. A safety apparatus as recited in claim 1,wherein the first member includes a flange disposed adjacent a proximalend thereof.
 6. A safety apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein thefirst and second members are tubular in cross-section and the secondmember is configured for slidable movement within the first member.
 7. Asafety apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the second memberincludes an actuator that is manipulable to cause slidable movement ofthe second member.
 8. A safety apparatus as recited in claim 1, whereinthe first member is concentric with the second member.
 9. A safetyapparatus as recited in claim 7, wherein the actuator includes a fingerpad.
 10. A safety apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the lockincludes a tubular sleeve.
 11. A safety apparatus as recited in claim 1,wherein the at least one tang is biased for radially outward movement.12. A safety apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least onetang is in substantial alignment with the outer surface of the lock,corresponding to the first position of the second member.
 13. A safetyapparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one tang isdisposed radially outward, corresponding to the second position of thesecond member, to inhibit proximal movement of the second member.
 14. Asafety apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the flange is configuredto inhibit distal movement of the second member.
 15. A safety apparatusas recited in claim 1, wherein the lock includes a plurality of tangs.16. A safety apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the second memberincludes a stability member that is configured for adding structuralintegrity thereto.
 17. A safety apparatus comprising: a barrel includinga proximal portion defining a cavity and a distal portion including anelongated post, the elongated post defining a longitudinal bore andbeing configured to receive a needle cannula, wherein the distal portionof the barrel includes a cylindrical race positioned about the elongatedpost such that the cylindrical race and elongated post define a secondannular cavity, the cylindrical race defining a longitudinal slotextending through the cylindrical race; a tubular shield being mountedwithin the second annular cavity and slidably movable relative theretobetween a retracted position whereby a distal end of the needle isexposed and an extended position whereby the distal end of the needle iscovered; and a tubular lock insert mounted on the elongated post of thebarrel such that the shield is slidably movable along an outer surfaceof the tubular lock insert, the tubular lock insert including a tangthat is in substantial alignment with the outer surface of the tubularlock insert during slidable movement of the shield, the tang beingbiased radially outward to fix the shield in the extended position,wherein the tang and a flange are separated on the tubular lock insertat a distance that provides a gap between a distal end of the tang and aproximal end of the tubular shield when the tubular shield is in theextended position such that the tubular shield is movable relative tothe tubular lock insert at least a distance that is equal to the gap.18. A safety apparatus as recited in claim 17, wherein the longitudinalslot is configured to guide movement of the shield.
 19. A safetyapparatus as recited in claim 17, wherein the flange is positioned on adistal end of the elongated post of the lock insert and is configured toinhibit distal movement of the shield.
 20. A safety apparatus as recitedin claim 17, wherein the insert includes a plurality of tangs.
 21. Asafety apparatus as recited in claim 17, wherein the shield includes anactuator.
 22. A safety apparatus as recited in claim 17, wherein thetubular shield includes a stability member that is configured for addingstructural integrity thereto.
 23. A safety apparatus comprising: abarrel including a proximal portion defining a cavity and a distalportion including an elongated post, the elongated post defining alongitudinal bore and being configured to receive a needle cannula,wherein a distal portion of the barrel further includes a cylindricalrace positioned about the elongated post such that the cylindrical raceand elongated post define a second annular cavity, the cylindrical racedefining a longitudinal slot extending through the cylindrical race; aneedle being mounted with the elongated post of the barrel and having adistal end; a tubular shield mounted for slidable movement within thesecond annular cavity of the barrel between a retracted position wherebythe distal end of the needle is exposed and an extended position wherebythe distal end of the needle is covered, the shield including astability ring that is configured for adding structural integrity to theshield; and a tubular lock insert mounted on the elongated post suchthat the shield is slidably movable along an outer surface of thetubular lock insert, the tubular lock insert including a plurality oftangs disposed circumferentially thereabout, the tangs being insubstantial alignment with the outer surface of the tubular lock insertduring slidable movement of the shield, the tangs being biased radiallyoutward to inhibit proximal movement of the shield in the extendedposition, the tubular lock insert further including a distal stoppositioned on a distal end of the elongated post and configured toinhibit distal movement of the shield, wherein at least one of theplurality of tangs and the distal stop are separated on the tubular lockinsert at a distance that provides a gap between a distal end of the atleast one of the plurality of tangs and a proximal end of the tubularshield when the tubular shield is in the extended position such that thetubular shield is movable relative to the tubular lock insert at least adistance that is equal to the gap.
 24. A safety needle apparatuscomprising: a syringe including a syringe barrel having a proximalportion defining a cavity and a distal portion including an elongatedpost, the elongated post defining a longitudinal bore and beingconfigured to receive a needle cannula, the needle cannula defining alumen and including a sharpened distal tip configured to penetratetissue, the syringe cavity being dimensioned to slidably receive aplunger, wherein the distal portion of the barrel further includes acylindrical race positioned about the elongated post such that thecylindrical race and the elongated post define a second annular cavity;a shield slidably mounted about the elongated post of the barrel andmovable within the second annular cavity from a retracted positionwhereby the needle cannula is exposed to an extended position wherebythe needle cannula is covered; and a tubular lock insert fixedly mountedon the elongated post of the barrel and configured such that the shieldis slidably movable along an outer surface of the tubular lock insert,the tubular lock insert including at least one resilient tang that ismovable radially inwardly to allow the shield to pass over the at leastone resilient tang, the tubular lock insert further including a stopmember positioned on the distal end of the elongated post within thecylindrical race of the syringe barrel, the stop member being configuredto abut the shield such that the shield is maintained in a substantiallyfixed configuration between the stop member and the at least one tangwhen the shield is in the extended position.
 25. The safety needleapparatus according to claim 24, wherein the elongated post includesproximal and distal ends, wherein the proximal end of the elongated posthas a diameter that is greater than the distal end of the elongatedpost.
 26. The safety needle apparatus according to claim 24, wherein thestop member includes a lock flange.
 27. The safety needle apparatusaccording to claim 26, wherein an interior of the shield abuts aproximal ridge of the lock flange when the shield is in the extendedposition such that the shield is maintained in a substantially fixedposition relative to the syringe.
 28. The safety shield apparatusaccording to claim 24, further including a removable sheath configuredto cover the sharpened distal tip of the needle cannula when the shieldis in the retracted position.
 29. The safety needle apparatus accordingto claim 24, wherein a longitudinal slot extends through the cylindricalrace.
 30. The safety needle apparatus according to claim 29, wherein theshield includes an actuator positioned externally of the cylindricalrace of the syringe barrel, the actuator being connected to a body ofthe shield through the longitudinal slot to facilitate manualadvancement of the shield from the retracted position to the extendedposition.
 31. The safety needle apparatus according to claim 30, whereinthe shield includes a stability member in the form of a stability ringhaving inner and outer surfaces, the stability member located at aproximal end of the shield and configured such that a gap exists betweenan outer wall of the shield and the stability member such that thestability member is movable along an outer wall of the syringe barrel.32. The safety needle apparatus according to claim 31, wherein thestability ring intersects the actuator.
 33. The safety needle apparatusaccording to claim 30, wherein the actuator extends through thelongitudinal slot and is configured to guide movement of the shield whenthe shield is moved from the retracted position to the extendedposition.